Veteran Services Team – Blog #10 – April 2025

By: Sgt Al Kowalenko, OMC (Retd)

48th Veterans Services Coordinator

SPRINGTIME & SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS FOR 2025

Spring greetings to our 48^th Highlanders veterans of all eras, Active Battalion soldiers, and members of our extended Regimental Family.

This year, in early May, our Regiment will be sending a 100+ contingent to The Netherlands to celebrate the 80^thAnniversary of the 1945 “Liberation of Holland”. It will be a historic celebration with the Dutch people and a major event for the Regiment. (Full details are included in the special section below.)

Here are current updates on planned 48^th events and parades this Spring:

“ST JULIEN’S PARADE” –SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH -73 SIMCOE ST, TORONTO

The newly named “St Julien’s Parade” (including the “Act of Remembrance”) of the 48^th Highlanders of Canada will be held on Sunday, April 27^th , 10:30 am-12 noon, at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 73 Simcoe St @ King St West, Toronto.

The name of St Julien for the parade commemorates the WWI Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915 where Canadian troops (including the 48^th) defended the town of St Julien from gas attacks.

This years’ service will occur a week prior to the special 48th Holland trip for the 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, in early May, 2025.

We encourage our 48^th veterans and members of the Regimental Family to participate in the Sunday service and meet with our Holland trip participants in attendance. There will be a reception in the Church hall after the service and the 48^thMuseum will be open.

48th MACKENZIE SHOOT –APRIL 15, 2025

The annual 48^th “Mackenzie Shoot” honoring our former WWII Commanding Officer, LCol Donald Mackenzie, is now back on track this year.

The Shoot will be held on Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025, at the simulation ranges, Moss Park Armoury, Toronto. It will be followed by a traditional spaghetti dinner.

(NOTE: Attendance to this event is limited to current and retired members of the 48^th WO/Sgts Mess and the 48^thOfficers Mess.)

For more information on veteran participation contact: Sgt Guy Bowie (Retd), President, 48th Regimental Association, Tel: 416-735-6437 or Email: association@48thhighlanders.ca

48TH HIGHLANDERS COMMEMORATION TRIP –MAY, 2025 RE: 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WWII “LIBERATION OF HOLLAND” IN APELDOORN, THE NETHERLANDS

This May 2-7, 2025, a 100+ contingent of 48^th Highlanders representatives will be attending special events in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands, to celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of the WWII “Liberation of Holland”. The contingent will include 43 Active Battalion soldiers and 65 veterans and members of the 48^th Regimental Family.

During April, 1945, the 48^th Highlanders of Canada (part of the 1^st Canadian Division) was a key participant in the Liberation at the culmination of WWII.

Every five years since 1945, the Dutch people have held Liberation celebrations in various towns across Holland. Normally 48^th veterans of WWII would attend these celebrations and be royally feted by the local Dutch townspeople. The last celebrations in 2020 were cancelled due to COVID and so it has been 10 years since the last gathering.

Up until 2015, there was personal representation by our 48^th WWII veterans in Holland. Unfortunately, last year our last remaining WWII era veteran passed on. This means there will be no War veterans from the Regiment represented this year or in future.

In 2025, the torch is now passed to the post-War generation of 48^th Active Battalion members and veterans to keep the memory of our liberators alive at special parades and events in Holland.

Over the past 80 years, the Dutch people have continue to welcome and thank Canadian liberators for their sacrifice and support during the final days of WWII which was a time of famine and crisis for the entire population. They are set to do so again this year but with a new generation of 48^th representatives.

At Holten Cemetery, near Apeldoorn, the Dutch citizens regularly tend the graves of our last group of twenty 48th Highlanders who died in April, 1945. This location also includes the grave of LCol Donald Mackenzie our famous Commanding Officer of the time. (His official portrait is displayed in the 48^th Officers Mess).

Key Events and Parades

Below is a list of key events and parades that our 48^th contingent will participate in during their trip to the Netherlands:

*May 2: Military Tattoo – Victoria Boys Voetbal Club – Apeldoorn

*May3: Wreath Laying – Oranjepark, Apeldoorn

Liberation Concert – Omnisport, Apeldoorn

*May 4: Canadian Remembrance Ceremony – Holten Cemetery

Canada/Netherlands Commemoration – Apeldoorn

Netherlands Dodenherdenking (Remembrance) –Oranjepark, Apeldoorn

*May 5: Dutch Liberation Day Parades in Wageningen and Beekbergen (televised)

*May 6: Op Cannonshot – Reception in Twello and Battlefield Tour in Wilp

Unveiling of new Mackenzieplaats Sign (honoring LCol D. Mackenzie)
– Wilp Apeldoorn Reception

Dinner hosted by 48^th Highlanders of Canada

(for Active Battalion, Veterans and Regimental Family Members)

*May 7: Op Market Garden – Hartenstein Museum and Museum at the Bridge
(Arnhem)

The 48^th Regimental Family contingent of 65+ making the trip to Holland includes nine LCols/Honoraries, 4 Officers, 8 WO/Sgts, most of whom are retired from CAF. A total of 28 modern veterans of 48^th will be part of the contingent. The Active Battalion will be sending 43 troops including four officers and nine SrNCOs.

For those considering a last minute participation in the 48^th Holland trip, please contact Capt Pim van der Toorn, Tel: 416-671-4108 or Emal: willem.vandertoorn.48@gmail.com for details.

IODE 48TH HIGHLANDERS CHAPTER APELDOORN LIBERATION LUNCH – MARCH 29TH

The IODE 48^th Highlanders Chapter recently held a very successful “Apeldoorn Liberation Lunch” on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the 48^th Officers Mess, Moss Park Amoury.

The Lunch honored our 48^th WWII veterans who fought bravely to liberate the Dutch people in April, 1945, and secure their freedom.

More than 60 attendees, including numerous veterans, IODE members and members of the Regimental Family enjoyed the Lunch. They were treated to authentic Dutch cuisine and desserts. The Officers Mess was colorfully decorated with Dutch artifacts, photos, flower displays, and WWII memorabilia.

Special guests included 48^th Commanding Officer, LCol Tyler Wentzell, CD, who spoke on the history of the Liberation of Holland in WWII. Also, Laurenske van den Heuvel, the Vice Consul of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Toronto, praised the Lunch as a fitting tribute to the upcoming 80^th Anniversary of the Liberation.

The Lunch also acknowledged the large 100+ contingent of 48^th soldiers, modern veterans and members of the Regimental Family who will be visiting Holland for the May celebrations in Apeldoorn.

Congratulations to the IODE 48^th Highlanders Chapter for staging a well received and enjoyable event celebrating a milestone in the Regiment’s history.

Special guests at the luncheon included LCol Tyler Wentzel and Laurenske van den Heuvel Vice Consul of the Netherlands

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA - UPDATE

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) currently serves more than 200,000 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans and their survivors. The total CAF veterans in Canada that were counted at the last federal government census (2021) was in the 460,000 range.

The majority of our Canadian WWII and Korean War veterans have now passed on and have been replaced in large numbers by our Cold War veterans who served from 1954-1990.

For all veterans, VAC services are wide ranging and include mental and physical health support, financial programs, education and jobs (post service), housing, and caregivers.

They also have a VAC Funeral and Burial Program, delivered by the Last Post Fund for those veterans qualifying via a means test. More info is at www.lastpostfund.ca

The 48^th Veterans Services Team is here to assist our veterans with any of the above, including your initial contacts with VAC. Please call us at 416-219-4967 or email ursa77@rogers.com and we will be glad to help you with your requirements or direct you to the right contacts.

If you wish to research and connect with VAC directly, their website is at www.veterans.gc.ca or call toll free 1-866-522-2122 to speak with a live agent to open up a VAC personal file.

There is also VAC psychological support service available 24/7 at toll free 1-800-268-7708.

DEFINITION OF A VETERAN

The most asked question we get at 48^th Veterans Services is “Who qualifies as a Veteran in Canada?” The answer is provided by the VAC definition which has been in place the past two decades:

“A veteran is any former member of Canadian Armed Forces (Regular or Reserves) who successfully underwent basic training and was honorably discharged.”

VAC SERVICES – VIP & VETERANS OMBUDSMAN

For those who qualify, VAC is able to assist you with support for conditions such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vision loss, joint injuries, prosthetics, and occupational stress injuries (formerly PTSD). If you can prove your injuries were due to your military service, VAC does provide financial compensation and ongoing support.

For those veterans who have serious chronic illnesses or are 80+ years of age, VAC has a ‘Veterans Independence Program” (VIP). It provides financial assistance to help veterans remain independent in their own homes.

Also, after receiving a VAC claim, if you feel your “rights have not been upheld or that a decision is unfair”, you may apply to the Veterans Ombudsman by phone (1-877-330-4343) or by email (info@ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca).

Please contact us if you have any questions about whether you qualify for VAC assistance and what documentation you will need.

VETERAN’S SERVICE CARD (NDI75)

We receive numerous requests annually regarding the Veteran’s Service Card (NDI75) for those who have completed their service in the Canadian Armed Forces (Regular Force and Reserves).

To apply for the card there is a direct online link at the Government of Canada website:

www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/transition/service-card.html

Required items for the application include:

Passport style photo;
Proof of identity (copy of government issued ID);
Canadian Armed certificate of service.

Processing time for the card usually takes six to eight weeks.

This card is important for proof of service and to access various discounts available to veterans across the country.

SUNNYBROOK VETERANS CENTRE - TORONTO

At present, the 48^th Highlanders have two veterans who are now long term residents of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto:

Sgt Oswald Reece, CD (Retd) has been a resident since last September and is located in Room 8 at K2W wing. He welcomes visitors and can be reached at 647-381-4125 to arrange a time. As well, Ozzie would like to see 48^th veterans from his era (1975-2008) to share stories and talk old times.

Capt Bruce Beaton, CD (Retd) has been a resident at Sunnybrook for several years. He was recently relocated to Room 74 at L2 wing. Visits for Bruce are limited. Please contact our Veterans Services Team for more information.

MILITARY DISCOUNTS FOR 48th VETERANS

Below is a list of selected discounts available to our 48^th veterans by various companies, and cultural organizations. (Members of our Active Battalion are also eligible for the discounts.)

You will be required to show proof of service in the Canadian Armed Forces. The best way is either via a CF ID card (eg. NDI75 or CFOne) or with a copy of your CF Release Certificate.

(Note – If you know of other key discounts available, please submit them to our Veterans Services Team and we will publish them in our next Blog.)

*Variety Village - Sports Complex and Training Centre

One of the largest sports facilities in the Greater Toronto Area, Variety Village, offers a 50% membership discount to current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Complex is located at 3701 Danforth Avenue in Scarborough, Ontario, and boasts three indoor swimming pools, a 200-metre running track, weightlifting rooms, cardio rooms, three large basketball courts, café and ample parking.

This is one of the best discount deals in the GTA for CF veterans/members who want access to a first class training facility at a very reasonable price. For more information, visit their website at www.varietyvillage.ca or call 416-699-7176 and ask for Judy Black in the Membership Dept.

*Go Transit

Effective March 1, 2025, travel on GO Transit will be free for members of the Canadian Armed Forces and veterans. This represents a substantial saving for those that use the system on a regular basis. For more details visit www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-on-go/veterans-and-caf.

*VIA Rail

VIA Rail offers a regular 25% discount on best available fares all year round for veterans and CF members. Quote Code #12070 for the discount. For more details, visit www.viarail.ca/en/offers/canadian-military.

*Air Canada, Porter Airlines, Westjet

Major airlines such as Air Canada, Porter Airlines and Westjet offer discounts on their baggage rates. Check each airline for their specific rates for veterans as they fluctuate depending on the size of the baggage.

*AVIS Car Rentals

AVIS offers 25% off their car rentals to veterans. Some restrictions may apply depending on the type of car and rental package.

*Canadian War Museum – Ottawa

All veterans and CF members are eligible for free admission to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa during the entire year. This also includes admission for two additional family members, free parking, and a $20 café certificate.

*Choice Hotels, Howard Johnson Hotels

Both Choice Hotels and Howard Johnson Hotels offer up to 15% discounts on room rates.

*Automobile Purchase Discounts

Various automobile manufacturers offer rebates to veterans and CF members when you buy a new vehicle. General Motors offers $1,000 discount on any new Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet or GMC. Mazda offers a $600 rebate and KIA Motors offers $500. Contact the appropriate local dealerships directly for more information.

*Other Museums in Ottawa

Free admission for CF veterans is also available at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum, and the Canadian Science and Technology Museum. Contact their individual websites for more information.

*Provincial Parks - Ontario

Veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who reside in Ontario, can enjoy free, weekday (Monday to Friday excluding holidays), day use in provincial parks. Upon arrival to a provincial park, please present a valid Canadian Armed Forces identification card (i.e., Canadian Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card, Canadian Forces Identification Card or Record of Service Card) and proof of Ontario residency with photo identification (i.e., valid Ontario driver’s licence with photo, valid Ontario Health Card with photo, valid Ontario Photo Card, etc.)

*Parks Canada

By presenting the Veteran’s Service Card, active Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and their immediate families receive free daily admission to all Parks Canada administered locations.

*Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) - Toronto

The ROM offers veterans a 20% discount on their admission price all year round. During Remembrance Week in November, admission is free to all veterans.

IN MEMORIAM

Since our last Blog in November, we have lost two well-known 48^th veterans.

We acknowledge their service to the Regiment and will remember them.

Sgt Gus Mastathis, CD
1964-2024

WO Don Pringle, CD
1932-2025

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING
EVENTS IN 2025
FOR 48TH VETERANS AND
REGIMENTAL FAMILY MEMBERS

April 15: “Mackenzie Shoot” (WO/Sgts + Officers), Moss Park Armoury
April 27: “St Julien’s Parade” (St Andrew’s Church)
May 2-7: The 48th Highlanders Commemoration Trip, Apeldoorn, Holland
July 10: “WWII Landing in Sicily/Pachino Day Parade” at Belleville Armouries
July 18-20: Orillia Scottish Festival, Orillia, Ontario
August 16: Warriors Day Parade (CNE, Toronto)
October: 48^th WO/Sgts Mess Dinner (Moss Park Armoury) (NB – Limited to past and present WOs and Sgts) NB- Date to be confirmed.
November 8: 48^th Mount Pleasant Remembrance Parade and Luncheon
November 9: Remembrance Day Parade (48^th Regimental Monument, Queen’s Park)
November 11: Remembrance Day (Tuesday) –Toronto City Hall Service (Optional)
May 2026 (Tentative): 48^th Highlanders 135^th Anniversary Celebrations, Toronto. (More details to follow later this year. Open to all 48^th past and serving members.)

(NOTE: If you have other 48^th events to publicize this year, please forward the information and we will have it distributed through the 48^th Regimental Association.)

THE FALCON

Deadline for articles to be submitted to The Falcon will be May 30, 2025.

If you have any enquiries about submitting an article, please contact the Editor, Capt Steve Gilbert (Retd) for more information. He can be reached at judy.a.gilbert.49@gmail.com

INFORMATION CONTACTS – 48th VETERANS
SERVICES TEAM

Sgt Al Kowalenko, OMC (Retd), Veterans Services Coordinator,

48th Highlanders Regimental Association

Email: ursa77@rogers.com

Cell: 416-219-4967 (message service available 24/7)

Web: www.48thhighlanders.ca/veteransservices/

Note: Previous Blogs of the Veterans Services Team are available on the 48^th website under the link “Veterans Services” at the bottom of the Home Page. Blog #1 contains details of the various areas we are able to help 48^th veterans and their families.

Currently, we have various volunteers who assist with our Veterans Services Team network. They are all 48^thveterans who are pleased to discuss a variety of veterans’ issues and ways to obtain help, as required.

We thank all our veterans for your ongoing support of our 48^th Veterans/Regimental events and activities this year!